Definition
Fire Damper
A fire damper is a passive fire protection device fitted within ductwork where it passes through a compartment wall or floor, designed to close automatically in a fire and prevent flames and hot gases from spreading through the ventilation system. Fire dampers must be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with BS EN 1366-2, and their operation must be verified as part of every fire risk assessment.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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View training courseRelevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS EN 1366-2Fire resistance tests for service installations — fire dampers
- Approved Document BRequires ductwork passing through compartment boundaries to be sealed to maintain fire resistance
- HVCA TR/19Guidance on internal cleanliness of ventilation systems — also covers damper access and maintenance
Related Terms
- Passive Fire ProtectionPassive Fire ProtectionPassive fire protection (PFP) comprises the structural and material elements built into a building to contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke without requiring activation — including compartmentation, fire doors, fire stopping, cavity barriers, and structural fire protection. PFP elements must comply with Approved Document B and are assessed as part of a fire risk assessment.View definition
- CompartmentationPassive Fire ProtectionCompartmentation is the division of a building into fire-resisting cells using walls, floors, ceilings, and fire doors, designed to contain a fire within its compartment of origin for a specified period — typically 30 or 60 minutes. It is a core element of passive fire protection and is required in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and assessed through every fire risk assessment.View definition
- Fire StoppingPassive Fire ProtectionFire stopping is the sealing of penetrations in fire-resisting walls, floors, and ceilings — such as gaps around pipes, cables, ducts, and conduits — using approved materials that restore the required fire resistance rating. Inadequate or missing fire stopping is one of the most frequently cited failures identified during fire risk assessments and compartmentation surveys.View definition
- Structural Fire ProtectionPassive Fire ProtectionStructural fire protection is the application of passive fire protection to load-bearing elements — including steel beams, columns, and concrete structures — to maintain their structural integrity for a specified period during a fire. Methods include intumescent coatings, spray-applied cementitious products, and fire-resistant board encasement, all specified to meet the fire resistance requirements of Approved Document B or BS EN 1993-1-2.View definition
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire damper is a passive fire protection device fitted within ductwork where it passes through a compartment wall or floor, designed to close automatically in a fire and prevent flames and hot gases from spreading through the ventilation system. Fire dampers must be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with BS EN 1366-2, and their operation must be verified as part of every fire risk assessment.
Requirements for fire damper in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Damper and Passive Fire Protection are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire damper. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.